The 11,150-SF education center for the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Union, Local 8, replaced the Union’s undersized office in Center City. Along with space to train stagehands, film and television crews, and other professionals, the center features a 9,500-SF green roof — one of the largest in Philadelphia — and a 65-space parking lot. 

The 45,150-SF site was in a former industrial zone and required lead abatement and demolition of a 3,000-SF masonry building. Urban provided site/civil, structural, and MEP engineering design services, along with environmental assistance to acquire a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection permit and facilitate cleanup through Pennsylvania’s Land Recycling (Act 2) program. 

We designed the structural support for the green roof and the building foundation, which consists of pile-supported perimeter piers with internal grade beams. Native vegetation is integrated throughout the site. A subsurface detention system, lined with impermeable geosynthetic liner is in place to address lead contamination on the site. 

Highlights

• Green roof and native vegetation 
• Permit to facilitate cleanup through Pennsylvania’s Land Recycling program targeting former industrial areas
• Subsurface detention system addresses lead contamination